WE concept was at the forefront during the recent
redesign of Association Forum’s offices. The idea
was that members would experience an open and
engaging environment to truly feel that we are their
Forum—a gathering place for innovation.

Resource Kit

One existing tool that has been utilized by members is The Welcoming Environment Resource Kit.
Available on our website, it will be a constantly
evolving resource and collaboration platform as our
members’ needs progress. We will stay in dialogue
with members for their insights into the structure
of the kit, so that it reflects members needs and
resources .

Up Next!

The Welcoming Environment Summit will be offered
in December 2017. A summit within a summit, it
will include ground-breaking discussions organized
and led by members. Dr. James Pogue, closing
keynote speaker from Forum Forward 2017, will be
back to engage us and to encourage us to accomplish even more than we already have.

In April 2018, Association Forum will leverage
“Celebrate Diversity Month” to give elevated exposure to this program. Celebrate Diversity Month will
give Forum the opportunity to celebrate diversity
and the resources that Forum offers for members.
Between our Summit in December and this celebration, we will offer educational programs that address such topics as overcoming unconscious bias,
interviews with members showcasing their success
stories, a showcase of inclusion programs offered by
members and a young professionals program.

Over the course of the rest of the year, and into
2018, we look forward to connecting with you to
learn how you have been successful in creating a
Welcoming Environment. So many of our members
have stories to share that we can all learn from. And
that’s the heart of our community … sharing!

Jim Zaniello is the President and Founder of Vetted Solutions
and the Chair of Association Forum’s Welcoming Environment
Committee. He can be reached at